Health This morning I phoned my old friend Bill, a 92-year-old retired physician who lives in an apartment near me, to see how he was doing during this unprecedented need for social distancing. I personally have experiencedmy ownmental and physical effects from weeks of limited activity and I could hardly imagine the stress of those who live alone, those whose incomes have dropped or ceased, those who are homeless, live in retirement or nursing homes and the countless others severely affected by the pandemic. Bill lost his wife eight years ago and is legally blind frommacular degeneration, yet he has still been leading a very active physical and social life, getting exercise every day and lunches with me and other friends every week. He continues to go on several long cruises each year and says that it is no more expensive than living in a retirement home… plus he gets to meet new people all the time. All of this has changed and I expected him to be depressed and lonely after many weeks of solitude. But this was not the case. He sounded like his usual self and, although he was unhappy with his limitations, he said that he was doing OK and looking forward to brighter days. He still got his walking in each day, listened to audiobooks and talked to friends on the phone. His son dropped off food at his doorstep once a week. He missed his luncheon dates with old friends but was looking forward in anticipation of these social gatherings returning. For most who have experienced some degree of loneliness due to the pandemic, relief comes with the easing of restrictions. There are many, however, who suffer from an unpleasant feeling of isolation at all times − not specifically in reaction to a sudden new event. For those with chronic loneliness, there can be serious physical and mental side-effects. Research has shown that such individuals may have an increased risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. There is some evidence to suggest that their immune system is adversely affected, leading to a dampened response to certain viruses. Such persons also face an increased risk of sleep disorders, depression and alcoholism. LONELINESS by Robert MacMillan, MD 48 | www.snowbirds.org
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